A LEICESTER man who stabbed a bus driver in front of passengers on a busy city service has been jailed for more than three years.

Harley Kidd was at a bus stop in Evington Road, Leicester, when he opened the engine bay cover at the back of the bus, causing the engine to cut out.

After doing this several times and being challenged by members of the public, the driver spoke to him about his actions and Kidd lunged at him with a knife, stabbing him in the abdomen.

As a result of the assault, which happened on September 6, the victim had to undergo emergency surgery and spent five days in hospital.

Kidd was charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm on the bus driver, assault by beating on a passenger and threats with a knife on another passenger. He pleaded guilty at a prevoius hearing.

Today (Thursday, November 17) at Leicester Crown Court, 19-year-old Kidd, of London Road, Leicester, was sentenced to three years four months imprisonment.

Detective Inspector Chris Baker, who led the investigation, said: “This was a nasty assault which has had significant impact on the victim - he bears both the mental and physical scars of that day.

“The victim went to work and quite rightly, expected to be safe. Yet Kidd decided otherwise, subjecting him to a knife attack.

“Despite being seriously injured, the victim was able to detain Kidd at the scene. His selfless action ensured his attacker faced justice.

“I would like to thank and pay tribute to the public-spirited passers-by who stepped in to help.

“Their assistance at the scene and their support of our officers throughout this investigation has been tremendous and means the public will be safeguarded from a dangerous offender.”

A major campaign entitled #LivesNotKnives is currently being run by Leicestershire Police to combat knife crime.

The #LivesNotKnives campaign aims to:

• Reduce the number of knife-related offences within the city

• Educate and inform young people regarding the dangers of carrying knives

• Target young people who are believed to be carrying knives and to bring them to justice

First Leicester has supported the force’s anti-knife campaign.

Nigel Eggleton, managing director for First Leicester, said: “This was a worrying situation at the time for the health and wellbeing of our driver. Thankfully he has now made a full recovery and is back at work.

“I would like to thank the ambulance service and everyone else involved in supporting our driver at the time of the incident and also to the police in bringing the perpetrator to justice.”